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Blake
Loren textsme that she needs my help with some paperwork for school when I have time.
What she doesn’t understand is that I can’t concentrate on anything else until I figure out what she needs and how to fix it for her. A few months ago, I was afraid of what that feeling might signify. Now, I find myself welcoming it with open arms.
“Hey, I’m really sorry to bother you at work. This can wait,” she says, trying to disguise her sniffling when she answers the phone.
“Are you okay?”
“Of course. I’m fine.”
“You’re crying, aren’t you?”
“No.” She barely manages to get it out before it turns into a sob.
“Loren, tell me who’s making you cry.”
“No one,” she lies.
“I swear, if my brother is bothering you, I’m going to?—”
But she cuts me off. “It’s not JD. I’m actually hiding from him right now because I can’t be responsible for him losing his job.”
“What in the hell’s going on, Lo?” I growl, already grabbing my keys and heading for the door.
She sighs. “I’m just upset about this maternity leave paperwork. The lady from HR is so unpleasant. You’d swear they were making her pay for my time off from her own pocket. I mean, it’s not like I asked to be put on bed rest.”
Another rumble escapes from my chest. “What’s her name?”
“I wasn’t messaging you to tattle, Blake, only to vent. I can take care of myself.”
I stop just before shifting my truck into drive. “I’m sorry. I know you can. I just … I can’t help it.” It’s become my favorite excuse lately.
She’s quiet for a second before she sighs and starts again. “I think I’m also feeling guilty about leaving before the end of the year and missing the beginning of the next one.”
“But you’ve got to prioritize your health. Teaching may be your day job, but taking care of your babies is your vocation, now, right?”
“Yes.”
“And your students will understand. I’m sure they’ll miss you, because you’re irreplaceable, but I doubt they’ll mind the easier workload while you’re out.”
She laughs and sniffs again. “You’re right. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, my chest warming.
“Maybe you could help me look over this paperwork later?” she asks.
“Of course.”
“I’ll email you a copy. I’m still confused about whether I’m filing for extended sick leave or maternity leave. And I’ve got to figure it out before the next time we see Dr. Rowan, since he’ll be the one signing off on it.”
“Send it over. I’ll read through it. And I promise I won’t rub it in when I understand it better than you can.”
“Kiss my ass, Gus-Gus.”
“I love it when you talk dirty to me, Agnes.” I can practically hear her smiling through the phone, though she’s definitely trying not to give me the satisfaction of hearing her laugh. And then I’m hit with the sudden urge to see her, maybe even to touch her.
“Have you had lunch yet?” I ask as I switch my phone over to my truck’s audio system and drive out of the parking lot.
